Friday, September 21, 2012

Free SF Symphony Concert

The San Francisco Symphony seems to change the time & location of their season-opening free concert every year. This year's pleasing, all-French program felt appropriate for the late afternoon time, & the weather remained sunny & almost balmy. The orchestra's playing was trim & slightly reserved. Violinist Alina Pogostkina was soloist for the Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo capriccioso. She is a youthful & genial performer with a warm, connected sound & a dexterous bow arm. MTT introduced each piece, & the audience applauded when he announced the Ravel Boléro. The turn-out was excellent, & the people sitting in the middle of the plaza were an attentive audience. PG&E, the concert sponsor, handed out free stainless steel water bottles to visitors at their booth.